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Category: James Gandolfini

TV bosses behind James Gandolfini’s final small screen project are in talks to recast the role following the actor’s death last month. “The Sopranos” star filmed a pilot episode of an HBO show called …

(Photo by Jason LaVeris/FilmMagic)

TV bosses behind James Gandolfini’s final small screen project are in talks to recast the role following the actor’s death last month.

“The Sopranos” star filmed a pilot episode of an HBO show called “Criminal Justice” before he died of a heart attack during a trip to Italy.

HBO president Michael Lombardo has now revealed producers hope to continue with the project, and they are looking into the possibility of re-shooting the pilot with a new actor in Gandolfini’s place.

Speaking during HBO’s presentation to The Television Critics Association on Thursday, Lombardo said, “Jim’s passing took the wind out of our sails at HBO. I can’t imagine us airing the pilot with James in
it, but we’re having conversations with (producer) Steve Zaillian about how to proceed.

“It’s hard to think about replacing him. The conversation would be about re-shooting the scenes that Jim had already performed in, and recasting going forward.”

Criminal Justice is an adaptation of the 2008 BBC series of the same name, which starred “Skyfall’s” Ben Whishaw and late actor Pete Postlethwaite.

The lights of Broadway’s theaters will be dimmed on Wednesday night as a mark of respect to James Gandolfini. The actor, who died in Rome, Italy, last week, enjoyed success on the New York stage in …

(Photo by Angela Weiss/Getty Images)

The lights of Broadway’s theaters will be dimmed on Wednesday night as a mark of respect to James Gandolfini.

The actor, who died in Rome, Italy, last week, enjoyed success on the New York stage in the 1990s plays “On the Waterfront” and “A Streetcar Named Desire,” and he was nominated for a Tony Award in 2009 for his role in “God of Carnage.”

The theater district tribute will fall on the eve of the actor’s funeral at the Cathedral Church of Saint John the Divine in New York City on Thursday morning.

The results of the actor’s autopsy, which was carried out on Friday, were made public by family friend Michael Kobold, who held a press conference and read a statement on behalf of Gandolfini’s relatives.

He said, “James came here on a vacation with his family … he had a wonderful day. He visited the Vatican and had dinner at the hotel with his son awaiting the arrival of his sister. Today we received the results of the autopsy, which stated he died of a heart attack, of natural causes. The autopsy further states that nothing else was found in his system.

“We are all devastated by this loss. James was a devoted husband, a loving father of two children, a brother and cousin you could always count on. We thank you for the privacy you have afforded us during this difficult time.”

Kobold went on to reveal the family is working closely with local officials to have Gandolfini’s body repatriated back to America as soon as possible, but the process could take up to 10 days.

However, they hope to gain clearance by next Wednesday or Thursday.

He adds, “It can take up to 10 days to get the necessary documents and paperwork to repatriate the body. … We are looking forward to working with the Italian government officials to shorten that process and it looks like they are doing everything they can on their end … so we can get James’ body back to America.”

Kobold also refuted media reports which suggested Gandolfini was drinking heavily during dinner in the hours before his death, insisting cocktails ordered at the hotel were alcohol-free drinks for his 13-year-old son, adding, “The pina coladas were virgin (alcohol-free) … they were drunk by his son. You guys know Jim, it’s not his drink of choice. He doesn’t drink pina coladas,” adding, “It was natural causes. There was no foul play, no substance abuse. None of that. … He was happy; he was healthy. Everything was going great.”

Kobold concluded the press conference by confirming Gandolfini’s funeral will take place in New York City and the family hopes to schedule the service for late next week.

James Gandolfini’s 13-year-old son called for help after his father fell ill and collapsed at a hotel in Rome following a family day out. “The Sopranos” star died on Wednesday after suffering a heart …

(Photo by Angela Weiss/Getty Images)

James Gandolfini’s 13-year-old son called for help after his father fell ill and collapsed at a hotel in Rome following a family day out.

Details of exactly what happened have now emerged and it has been revealed that Gandolfini’s son, Michael, from his first marriage to Marcy Wudarski, called for help after his father fell ill in the bathroom of his room at Rome’s Boscolo Hotel Exedra.

Hotel spokeswoman Laura Conti tells USA Today, “He (Gandolfini) just felt bad and his son called reception. They (staff) went to the room. And as soon as they saw that something was wrong they immediately called an ambulance that brought him to hospital.”

Resuscitation attempts by paramedics failed and Gandolfini was pronounced dead after arriving at the Modini of the Policlinic Umberto I hospital.

Gandolfini was also traveling with his wife, Deborah Lin, and their baby daughter Liliana, as well as his sister, and the star’s assistant Tom Richardson has revealed tragedy struck after the family enjoyed a fun day out sightseeing.

He says, “We all had a marvelous day together, and when he returned to the hotel Jimmy (Gandolfini) went to the bathroom and that is where something happened. His sister said he was still alive when the ambulance took him away.”

Hospital bosses have revealed the star died after suffering a cardiac arrest, but his official cause of death will need to be confirmed by an autopsy, which has been scheduled for Friday.

Claudio Modini, director of the emergency room at the hospital, says in a statement, “We were alerted by the director of the Boscolo Hotel Exedra and sent two ambulances. They arrived within eight minutes. They tried to revive Mr. Gandolfini, (who was) in cardiac arrest, (and) was already critical. Efforts to restart his heart at the hospital went on for 40 minutes, with no effect. He was pronounced dead at 10:40 p.m.”

“The Sopranos” actor James Gandolfini has reportedly died. He was 51. Variety.com reports that, according to HBO, he was on vacation in Italy at the time of his death. He leaves behind an 8-month-old …

According to reports June 19, 2013 James Gandolfini died of a heart attack in Italy.

According to reports June 19, 2013 James Gandolfini died of a heart attack in Italy.

Photo: Jason Merritt / Getty Images

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Edie Falco and James Gandolfini winners of the awards for Outstanding lead Actress and Actor in a Drama Series for "The Sopranos" at the 55th Annual Primetime Emmy Awards (Photo by Bob Riha Jr/WireImage) less

Edie Falco and James Gandolfini winners of the awards for Outstanding lead Actress and Actor in a Drama Series for "The Sopranos" at the 55th Annual Primetime Emmy Awards (Photo by Bob Riha ... more

Photo: Bob Riha Jr / WireImage

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Actor James Gandolfini (R) and wife Deborah Lin attend the premiere of "Zero Dark Thirty" at the Dolby Theatre on December 10, 2012 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Jason LaVeris/FilmMagic)

Actor James Gandolfini (R) and wife Deborah Lin attend the premiere of "Zero Dark Thirty" at the Dolby Theatre on December 10, 2012 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Jason LaVeris/FilmMagic)

Photo: Jason LaVeris / FilmMagic

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According to reports June 19, 2013 James Gandolfini died of a heart attack in Italy. He was 51. Actor James Gandolfini poses with his Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Drama Series Award for "The Sopranos" in the press room during the 14th annual Screen Actors Guild awards held at the Shrine Auditorium on January 27, 2008 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Vince Bucci/Getty Images) less

According to reports June 19, 2013 James Gandolfini died of a heart attack in Italy. He was 51. Actor James Gandolfini poses with his Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Drama Series Award for "The ... more

Photo: Vince Bucci / Getty Images

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This publicity film image released by Paramount Vantage shows James Gandolfini, as Pat, in a scene from the film "Not Fade Away." (AP Photo/Paramount Vantage, File)

This publicity film image released by Paramount Vantage shows James Gandolfini, as Pat, in a scene from the film "Not Fade Away." (AP Photo/Paramount Vantage, File)

Photo: Associated Press

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This file photo released by HBO in 2007 shows James Gandolfini as Tony Soprano in a scene from one of the last episodes of the HBO dramatic series "The Sopranos." HBO and the managers for Gandolfini say the actor died Wednesday, June 19, 2013, in Italy. He was 51. (AP Photo/HBO, Craig Blankenhorn, File) less

This file photo released by HBO in 2007 shows James Gandolfini as Tony Soprano in a scene from one of the last episodes of the HBO dramatic series "The Sopranos." HBO and the managers for Gandolfini say the ... more

Photo: Craig Blankenhorn / Associated Press

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This 1999 file photo provided by HBO, shows James Gandolfini as mob boss Tony Soprano, in an episode from the first season of the HBO cable television mob series, "The Sopranos." HBO and the managers for Gandolfini say the actor died Wednesday, June 19, 2013, in Italy. He was 51. (AP Photo/HBO, Anthony Neste, File) less

This 1999 file photo provided by HBO, shows James Gandolfini as mob boss Tony Soprano, in an episode from the first season of the HBO cable television mob series, "The Sopranos." HBO and the managers for ... more

Photo: Anthony Neste / Associated Press

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This May 20, 2013 file photo shows actor James Gandolfini at the LA premiere of "Nicky Deuce" in Los Angeles. HBO and the managers for Gandolfini say the actor died Wednesday, June 19, 2013, in Italy. He was 51. (Photo by Richard Shotwell/Invision/AP, file) less

This May 20, 2013 file photo shows actor James Gandolfini at the LA premiere of "Nicky Deuce" in Los Angeles. HBO and the managers for Gandolfini say the actor died Wednesday, June 19, 2013, in Italy. He was ... more

Photo: Richard Shotwell / Associated Press

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This undated publicity photo, released by HBO, shows actor James Gandolfini in his role as Tony Soprano, head of the New Jersey crime family portrayed in HBO's "The Sopranos." HBO and the managers for Gandolfini say the actor died Wednesday, June 19, 2013, in Italy. He was 51. (AP Photo/HBO, Barry Wetcher, File) less

This undated publicity photo, released by HBO, shows actor James Gandolfini in his role as Tony Soprano, head of the New Jersey crime family portrayed in HBO's "The Sopranos." HBO and the managers for ... more

Photo: BARRY WETCHER / Associated Press

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This Jan. 27, 2008 file photo shows actor James Gandolfini accepting the award for outstanding performance by a male actor in a drama series for his work in "The Sopranos" at the 14th Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards in Los Angeles. HBO and the managers for Gandolfini say the actor died Wednesday, June 19, 2013, in Italy. He was 51. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill, file) less

This Jan. 27, 2008 file photo shows actor James Gandolfini accepting the award for outstanding performance by a male actor in a drama series for his work in "The Sopranos" at the 14th Annual Screen Actors ... more

Photo: Mark J. Terrill / Associated Press

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This Sept. 13, 2008 file photo shows actor James Gandolfini and his wife Deborah Lin at the 2008 Primetime Creative Arts Emmy Awards in Los Angeles. HBO and the managers for Gandolfini say the actor died Wednesday, June 19, 2013, in Italy. He was 51. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello, file) less

This Sept. 13, 2008 file photo shows actor James Gandolfini and his wife Deborah Lin at the 2008 Primetime Creative Arts Emmy Awards in Los Angeles. HBO and the managers for Gandolfini say the actor died ... more

Photo: Chris Pizzello / Associated Press

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This 2007 file photo originally supplied by HBO, shows James Gandolfini, left, Steven Van Zandt and Tony Sirico, right, members of the cast of the HBO cable television mob drama "The Sopranos." HBO and the managers for Gandolfini say the actor died Wednesday, June 19, 2013, in Italy. He was 51. (AP Photo/HBO,Craig Blankenhorn) less

This 2007 file photo originally supplied by HBO, shows James Gandolfini, left, Steven Van Zandt and Tony Sirico, right, members of the cast of the HBO cable television mob drama "The Sopranos." HBO and the ... more

Photo: Craig Blankenhorn / Associated Press

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This September 25, 2011 file photo shows US actor James Gandolfini attending IRIS, A Journey Through the World of Cinema by Cirque du Soleil, in Hollywood, California. According to US media reports, Gandofini, who starred as mob boss Tony Soprano in "The Sopranos", died while on vacation in Italy on June 19, 2013. He was 51. AFP PHOTO / Files / Valerie MACONVALERIE MACON/AFP/Getty Images less

This September 25, 2011 file photo shows US actor James Gandolfini attending IRIS, A Journey Through the World of Cinema by Cirque du Soleil, in Hollywood, California. According to US media reports, ... more

Photo: VALERIE MACON / AFP/Getty Images

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This December 10, 2012 file photo shows USD actor James Gandolfini arriving for the premiere of Columbia Pictures' "Zero Dark Thirty" at the Dolby Theater in Hollywood, California. According to US media reports, Gandofini, who starred as mob boss Tony Soprano in "The Sopranos", died June 19, 2013 while on vacation in Italy. He was 51. AFP PHOTO / Files / ROBYN BECKROBYN BECK/AFP/Getty Images less

This December 10, 2012 file photo shows USD actor James Gandolfini arriving for the premiere of Columbia Pictures' "Zero Dark Thirty" at the Dolby Theater in Hollywood, California. According to US media ... more

Photo: ROBYN BECK / AFP/Getty Images

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This September 10, 2000 file photo shows US actor James Gandolfini holding his trophy for the "Lead Actor in a Drama Series" category for his role in "The Sopranos" during the 52nd Annual Primetime Emmy Awards at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles. Gandofini, who starred as mob boss Tony Soprano in "The Sopranos", died while on vacation in Italy on June 19, 2013. He was 51. AFP PHOTO / Files / Scott NELSONSCOTT NELSON/AFP/Getty Images less

This September 10, 2000 file photo shows US actor James Gandolfini holding his trophy for the "Lead Actor in a Drama Series" category for his role in "The Sopranos" during the 52nd Annual Primetime Emmy Awards ... more

Photo: SCOTT NELSON / AFP/Getty Images

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This September 10, 2000 file photo shows US ator James Gandolfini with his wife Marcy as he holds his trophy for the "Lead Actor in a Drama Series" category for his role in "The Sopranos" during the 52nd Annual Primetime Emmy Awards at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles. Gandofini, who starred as mob boss Tony Soprano in "The Sopranos", died while on vacation in Italy on June 19, 2013. He was 51. AFP PHOTO / Files / Scott NELSONSCOTT NELSON/AFP/Getty Images less

This September 10, 2000 file photo shows US ator James Gandolfini with his wife Marcy as he holds his trophy for the "Lead Actor in a Drama Series" category for his role in "The Sopranos" during the 52nd ... more

Photo: SCOTT NELSON / AFP/Getty Images

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This September 5, 2007 file photo shows US actor James Gandolfini (L), Executive Producer of the HBO documentary 'Alive Day Memories: Home from Iraq', with US Rep. Dave Loebsack, (D-IA) shortly before the film's premier at the Ronald Reagan Building in Washington, DC. Gandofini, who starred as mob boss Tony Soprano in "The Sopranos", died while on vacation in Italy on June 19, 2013. He was 51. AFP PHOTO / Files / Paul J. RICHARDSPAUL J. RICHARDS/AFP/Getty Images less

This September 5, 2007 file photo shows US actor James Gandolfini (L), Executive Producer of the HBO documentary 'Alive Day Memories: Home from Iraq', with US Rep. Dave Loebsack, (D-IA) shortly before the ... more

Photo: PAUL J. RICHARDS / AFP/Getty Images

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James Gandolfini dies at age 51

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“The Sopranos” actor James Gandolfini has reportedly died. He was 51. Variety.com reports that, according to HBO, he was on vacation in Italy at the time of his death.

He leaves behind an 8-month-old daughter, with his wife Deborah Lin, and a teenage son from his first marriage with Marcy Wudarski.

Gandolfini won three Emmys for his portrayal of Tony Soprano on the acclaimed HBO series.

According to the Associated Press, HBO released a statement calling the actor a great talent and a gentle and loving person.

Social media responds to news of his death with sadness and accolades for his career:

(AP Photo/Luis M. Alvarez) Actor James Gandolfini has asked a judge to ban cameras from a New York courthouse when he testifies against a man he’s accused of choking and punching in an airport brawl …

(AP Photo/Luis M. Alvarez)

Actor James Gandolfini has asked a judge to ban cameras from a New York courthouse when he testifies against a man he’s accused of choking and punching in an airport brawl last year.

Jason Ertischek of Brooklyn, N.Y., filed suit against “The Sopranos” star, who played mob boss Tony Soprano in the hit series, claiming he slapped, punched and cursed at him at New York’s JFK Airport on January 29, 2008.

At the time of the incident, Ertischek told the New York Post: “I spoke to him in a kind of Tony Soprano accent, like, ‘Yo, Tony.’ All of a sudden, he turned around and choked me … and punched me.”

REUTERS/Mike Blake (UNITED STATES) “Sopranos” star James Gandolfini launched a violent attack on a fan at a New York airport after he was approached for an autograph. The 46-year-old became enraged …

REUTERS/Mike Blake (UNITED STATES)

“Sopranos” star James Gandolfini launched a violent attack on a fan at a New York airport after he was approached for an autograph.

The 46-year-old became enraged when the man, brandishing a notepad and pen, came too close to the actor’s fiance, Deborah Lin, and Gandolfini hit out, grabbing him by the collar and punching him in the face.

The altercation — captured on camera — took place as the couple passed through JFK airport on their way back from the Screen Actor’s Guild Awards in Los Angeles on Sunday, where Gandolfini picked up the Best Actor gong for his role in the hit TV series.

But the actor soon calmed down, and before leaving he apologized to the fan, taking time to sign the autograph and pose for a picture, according to the New York Daily News.